Sweet Lavender Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients for making a lavender old fashioned

Fortunately, crafting an old fashioned only requires a handful of easily accessible ingredients. Opting for a higher quality bourbon or whiskey will yield the most flavorful cocktail. You will need white sugar, water, and orange bitters (feel free to substitute with another type of bitters, like Angostura, if you prefer). For a more robust simple syrup, fresh lavender flowers can be used, though dried flowers will suffice in the same quantity. Dried lavender can typically be found in the herb and spice aisle of many supermarkets, but purchasing online often provides larger and more cost-effective options. A fresh lemon peel will serve as a garnish for the drink. Additionally, be sure to have some ice on hand for both mixing and serving.

Step 1: Prepare the lavender syrup

Prepare the simple syrup by combining sugar, water, and lavender flowers in a small pot and stirring the mixture.

Step 2: Simmer the lavender syrup

Heat until boiling, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Take off the heat.

Step 3: Strain the syrup

Strain the syrup using a fine mesh sieve and allow it to cool completely.

Step 4: Add whiskey and bitters to the mixing glass

To prepare the cocktail, combine the whiskey and bitters in a mixing glass.

Step 5: Add the lavender syrup

Incorporate 2 teaspoons of the lavender syrup.

Step 6: Add the ice and stir

Incorporate half of the ice. Mix the combination for 10 seconds.

Step 7: Strain the cocktail

Pour the liquid into a serving glass that contains the leftover ice.

Step 8: Prepare lemon garnish

Remove a 2-inch long strip of lemon peel.

Step 9: Serve the cocktail

Twist the peel above the glass to extract the oils, then gently rub it around the rim before placing it inside. Serve right away.

Where can I buy lavender?

Finding fresh lavender flowers can be challenging in some markets unless you have them growing in your garden or a nearby park. However, dried lavender is more readily available and serves the same purpose effectively. Most specialty grocery stores offer small packets or jars of dried lavender flowers, which are perfect for making the simple syrup required for this classic cocktail.

A helpful tip is that you can buy larger quantities of dried lavender online at a much lower price. As long as they are vacuum-sealed or stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh. When selecting a product, try to look for "culinary grade" on the label whenever possible. This lavender-infused syrup also pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or other cocktails like gin and tonic or a spritz. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

What's the history behind the old fashioned?

The Old Fashioned cocktail dates back to as early as 1806. While there are various origin stories, the first documented recipes resembling what we now recognize as an Old Fashioned (whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water) emerged in the late 1880s. This classic drink was born in Louisville, Kentucky, where a two-week festival celebrating it continues to take place annually. The term "Old Fashioned" is said to have originated from patrons asking for their cocktails "the old fashioned way," as bartenders in the early 1900s began to experiment more with mixology. It was common for early cocktails to include citrus peels, candied cherries, and bitters as a simple way to enhance the liquor. Over the years, numerous variations of the drink have emerged, thanks to its wonderfully adaptable nature. Our latest rendition, featuring lavender and a hint of lemon zest, is sure to become a staple in your cocktail collection.